Official Kia sales figures for the 28 countries comprising its European sales division confirm that the Picanto is proving immensely popular across Europe, and is now attracting 8,000 new customers each month. The spacious five-door hatchback, which brings bigger-car build quality and driving feel to the A (mini car) segment is attracting more 'first-time' customers to the Kia brand.

The three top-selling Kia models last month were the Picanto (7,941 units), Sportage (3,629) and Sorento (2,923), followed by Kia's C segment (lower medium) contender, the Cerato, which recorded its best ever month since launch with availability of Kia's highly competitive 1.5-litre diesel engine boosting sales to 2,351 units.

The top-six markets for Kia during May were Spain, Germany, the UK, Italy, Netherlands and France. The highest growth rates were achieved by Greece (up 123%), Denmark (119%), Poland (101%) and Belgium (95%).

Total sales last month reached an all-time high of 22,536 units, a 51% increase on the same period of 2004.

Total Kia sales for January to May this year were 107,612 units, representing a 68% increase over the first five months of 2004. The best selling model was the Picanto (31,977 units), ahead of the Sorento (18,010), Sportage (16,556) and Carnival (9,891).

Spain was Kia's biggest market with a total of 16,359 cars delivered, just clear of Italy's 16,177 units, and Greece showed the largest improvement with a 213% rise to achieve 4,795 sales, of which 2,695 units were Picanto cars, and claimed seventh place in Kia's overall sales league table.

"Kia's remarkable sales performance across Europe over the first five months of 2005 has been a fantastic achievement," commented Jean-Charles Lievens, senior vice-president Kia Europe.

"Once again, the monthly sales figures confirm that the technology, quality, style and comfort of modern Kia cars - not just their traditionally competitive equipment and pricing - are finely tuned to the needs of European motorists.

"With the steady introduction of diesel engines across our product line-up of passenger and recreational vehicles - including the all-new diesel Picanto, which will arrive in dealer showrooms in the autumn - their already strong appeal is being boosted even further and we are confident that Kia will continue to attract new customers in large numbers throughout 2005," Mr Lievens said.

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